The authors have had numerous opportunities to work with elementary teachers and students, but few of those experiences have been as rewarding as the We Are Wyoming project. During the 2014-2015 school year, they traveled to thirty-six fourth-grade classrooms all over the state teaching the We Are Wyoming project. The unit was a two-day integrated…

The authors collaborated on hosting a "Spring Inspire Day." planned and delivered by preservice elementary teachers as a social studies/science methods project. Projects that have authentic application opportunities can make learning meaningful for prospective teachers as well as elementary students. With the impetus for an integrated…

Describes how a koala hand puppet was used to teach county history as well as reading and writing skills, multicultural awareness, music, art, and self-esteem to third graders in San Diego, California. Activities that involved the puppet are described. (AM)

Lessons involve K-12 students in analyzing teacher-developed state and local thematic maps, identifying countries of the world with which their city has a linkage as indicated by local ethnic restaurants, discussing local companies involved in international trade, and learning about foreign-made products in their home and community. (RM)

Reported is how junior high school students, prompted by the construction of a local housing authority scheme, produced an information booklet for new residents which covered the history, facilities, and services of the community. Outlined are procedures, activities, problems, and results. (DC)

This teacher guide contains 12 detailed local history investigations, complete with procedures, required materials, and evaluation exercises, based on performance objectives that support the Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools' social studies and mathematics instructional objectives for grades K-6. The exercises draw students into their…

This Learning Activity Packet (LAP) is designed to celebrate the life, events, and people of the past using a cemetery as a data source (includes a materials list, activity sheets, objectives, etc.). Journal availability: see RC 503 504. (SB)

This resource/study guide is designed to accompany the instructional video, "Sugar Cane: A Bitter-Sweet Legacy," which explores the significance of cultivating, harvesting, and refining sugar cane. It is also a brief study of the disappearing African-American workers on the sugar cane plantations in southern Louisiana. Seven main ideas…

Discusses three exercises for a home state course that tap the store of knowledge possessed by a classroom of home state residents. The exercises include a family migration history, a review of a home state novel, and a self-guided field trip. Includes exercise instructions and sample book list. (MJP)

Heritage education is an interdisciplinary, interactive approach to examining the historical and cultural evidence of heritage that remains in neighborhoods, community, and regions. This paper seeks to answer some basic questions about heritage education, including: What is it? What are heritage educators seeking to accomplish? Is there a right…

Self-contained lessons for use in secondary level social studies, English, and language arts courses will help students understand that they are a part of a global community. Although written for use in Ohio schools, the lessons can easily be adapted for use in other states. Unit 1 shows students how the decisions of people in other countries can…

Presents a classroom lesson in which students interpret historical cause and effect through the analysis of U.S. census data. Recommends the use of local historical census data to help students learn about their community's experience. Includes a map and charts of census data. (CFR)

Ideas for an elementary level interdisciplinary teaching unit which were generated from a drive taken in the plains country of eastern New Mexico are presented. The purpose is to show what could be included in a unit on the immediate environment. In social studies classes, students can read a map of the area of the drive. An interest in history…

The high school journalism teacher who initiated the Foxfire Project discusses the memorable learning experiences and community studies in which students are involved as they develop and publish the Foxfire magazines. The author describes the project objectives and the successfully implemented teaching techniques and learning activities so that…

The Sampler is designed to stimulate teachers, parents, students, and groups to look at various types of open spaces and facilities as resources for environmental study. Written for use with children, but adaptable to older groups, the Sampler tries to engage the feelings as well as intellects of its users in the process of inquiry. It locates…